Sometimes for various reasons, you may have thought about releasing your pet into the wild, but is it okay or should you still find another way when you need to get rid of guinea pigs?
Can you release guinea pigs into the wild?
You should not release guinea pigs into the wild, as this is illegal and wrong. If you cannot keep the guinea pigs then call a veterinarian who will help you find a shelter or a new home for your pet.
In today’s article you will learn why you should not release guinea pigs into the wild, why it is cruel to them and how to get rid of guinea pigs in a fair way.
Can you release guinea pigs into the wild?
You cannot release guinea pigs into the wild because the risk to their safety is too dangerous.
Guinea pigs cannot be released into the wild because they will not be able to adapt to life in the wild and will likely be eaten by predators.
The guinea pigs that we keep at home do not have a sufficiently developed instinct for how to feed and how to protect themselves in the wild.
The only chance for the guinea pigs to survive in nature is if they are released in areas where there are other species of guinea pigs, but the risk is too big.
Is it legal to release a guinea pig into the wild?
In the United States, it is illegal to release a guinea pig into the wild.
According to the laws, the release of guinea pigs is considered animal cruelty and neglect, regardless of whether there are still guinea pigs living in the wild.
The Environmental Protection Agency does not allow the release of guinea pigs into the wild and it is considered an offence.
In fact, according to US law, you cannot release guinea pigs into the wild or anywhere else without providing them with a new, safe home.
Is it cruel to release my guinea pig into the wild?
Releasing a guinea pig into the wild is considered cruelty in the United States.
It is cruel to release a guinea pig into the wild because then the chances of survival are too small, they will probably be eaten by other larger animals.
Small animals like guinea pigs are prey animals, they cannot defend themselves against larger animals, and therefore it is not at all right to release them into the wild.
If not eaten by other animals, guinea pigs may starve to death, as they cannot go without food for a long time.
It is cruel to release a guinea pig into the wild as it has no instincts to survive.
Why won’t guinea pigs survive in the wild?
Here are some reasons why a guinea pig will not be able to survive in the wild:
- the color of the fur – which can be bright and easily recognized by predators, who will take the first opportunity and eat them.
- they cannot dig a shelter – because they are not trained and unable to dig holes where the ground is hard or if there are rocks, leaving them at the mercy of predators.
- diseases – because guinea pigs kept in domestic conditions do not have enough immunity and are prone to the occurrence of diseases and infections. Problems can easily occur in the guinea pig’s respiratory system or breathing problems.
- hunger – is a big problem for guinea pigs in the wild because it will be very difficult for them to find a constant source of food, they will probably starve and die in a short time.
All these reasons indicate that the guinea pig will not be able to cope with life in the wild.
Where do I release the guinea pig?
When you want to release your guinea pig, you should act humanely, without endangering its further life.
Therefore, here are some suggestions:
give it – to close friends or relatives whom you can be sure will take proper care of the guinea pig.
Advertise in the newspaper – that you want to give a guinea pig as a gift, but first talk to the potential new owners about their intentions and how they plan to keep the guinea pig.
Take it to pet shelters – where you can leave your guinea pig. Search the internet and you will find several guinea pig shelters where you can take your guinea pig.
Is releasing guinea pigs into the wild against the law?
Releasing guinea pigs into the wild in the United States is considered abandonment of your pet and may result in criminal charges.
You may face fines or even jail time. Guinea pigs do not deserve to be released into the wild, as it is unfair to these little pets.
Read more: How Fast Can Guinea Pigs Run? Let’s Find Out
What are the enemies of guinea pigs in the wild?
If you release the guinea pig into the wild, the chances of it surviving are very small, because many enemies will attack and eat it.
Predators such as hawks, snakes, foxes, and other animals will immediately see the guinea pig as an easy target.
Besides these animals, other animals compete with guinea pigs and will attack them, such as raccoons, birds, rodents, and other enemies.
Read more: Can You Hold A Guinea Pig When You First Get It?
What to do if you accidentally release the guinea pig?
If you accidentally release your guinea pig and it gets lost in the wild or near your house, don’t panic because you can find it.
Here are some of my tips:
- search – near the house where you live, or in the surroundings that are close to the house.
- check the burrows – as guinea pigs will try to hide in holes, pits and similar hiding places to protect themselves from predators.
- contact local shelters – they can help you find your lost guinea pig by organizing a search.
- place food – in several places near where you lost it because the guinea pigs will be hungry and need food to survive.
I hope these few tips will help you if you accidentally lose your pet.
FAQs
How long can a guinea pig survive in the wild?
Guinea pigs in the wild can survive from 1-4 years. Their life span in nature is shorter because they are constantly exposed to attacks from predators, as well as because they do not have regular food to eat, as well as because of bad weather conditions.
Can guinea pigs survive in the cold?
Guinea pigs can survive cold weather better than hot weather. But if it’s too cold they can get sick and die, especially if the temperature is below 60 F.
What to do with guinea pigs while on vacation?
When you go on vacation it is best to leave your guinea pig with someone you trust and know will take good care of your pet. It is best if someone can be with the guinea pig all the time or at least twice a day feed it and give them water, and keep the cage clean.
Conclusion
You cannot release guinea pigs into the wild as this is an illegal way to get rid of your pet.
You should not release guinea pigs into the wild as it is cruel to them, they will likely be eaten by predators.
Guinea pigs that are kept in domestic conditions will not be able to cope in the wild, because they do not have an instinct to survive outside the cage.
It is best to give them to your loved ones or take them to a pet shelter, only in this way your pet will have safety and security in the future life.
In the end, think carefully before deciding whether to get rid of these small and beautiful pets.
